White Stripe-backed Moth
Common NameWhite Stripe-backed Moth
Scientific NameEthmia bipunctella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorswhite, black, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host PlantsEchium vulgare (Viper's-bugloss), Symphytum (Comfrey) species, Borago officinalis (Borage)
Flight PeriodMay to August (sometimes a partial second generation in autumn)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, typically Boraginaceae. Larvae are greenish-grey with black spots and feed on the leaves, often spinning silk webs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, usually in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the bright white head and thorax contrasting with the prominent black dorsal markings. The mottled forewings with their specific pattern of speckles are also key identifiers for this species.
Description
A small moth with a white head and thorax, featuring a distinctive black stripe or two prominent black patches on its dorsal side. The forewings are mottled with white, grey, and brown speckles, providing cryptic camouflage.
